The most basic rule of the game is that single checkers are vulnerable and if you don’t want them to start all over after being hit by your opponent’s checkers you got to have two or more checkers on a point. This is the starting point for all the backgammon strategies that you’ll read about and this is what you have to memorize during the game.

The most logical approach is to run as fast as you can to the end point while leaving exposed checkers, but putting all your focus on a fast game maybe sounds reasonable, but it’s not a winning game plan. Instead, there are better gaming strategies that you can take, and the results will be a lot better.

Wise distribution of checkers

A good backgammon player is a player who knows how to distribute his checkers in a wise and responsible way. As a rule, it’s wiser to have 2 checkers on two points rather than 4 checkers distributed on 4 points- i.e. to have even distribution of the checkers. Even distribution will help you become more flexible and your control and safety will upgrade.

Choose strategy

You can choose to play an offensive or defensive game, but be sure to be flexible about it too. If your opponent is playing a harsh defensive game, maybe you should consider to slow down your race and to concentrate on hitting his checkers.

Block

A good strategy is to form a block by building points without gaps between them in front of your opponent checkers in your home board. Start your blockade on those points specifically: 4, 5 and 7. Try to do it as early as you can and your control of the checkers movement will be better. Later you can concentrate on moving your own checkers.

Hitting checkers

The most important thing is to hit the most advanced checkers. A good hit can confuse your opponent and ruin his whole playing strategy. Don’t take risks when you attack checkers, if you know that the risk for your checkers might grow because of the attack, consider other options. Hitting is not always the best move!

Establish Anchors

Anchors are defensive points in the opponent’s home board. They will help you to have a safer landing point after you get hit and also disturb your opponent’s attempts to make his home board.
Try to establish anchor points as early as you can and keep them as much as you can. If you see that you become significantly behind, start moving the anchors towards your home board.